Windshield glass versus detector sensitivity

SheltonJ · #1 (**permalink**) 2008-01-03

Does anyone know if the windshield in a 2007 Mercedes SLK will reduce the range and sensitivity of radar/laser detectors? I just got a new V1.
An installer I spoke with insisted that the only way to get good range on this kind of car was to use a built in remote system with antennas in the front and rear of the car.
The build-in systems don't get nearly as many reviews as the dash mounted systems, so I don't have enough data to make an assessment in this area.
The windshield does not have the tell tale bronze tint I have seen mention of and it isn't advertised as having IR glass.
It does have rain sensing wipers. Do any of the technologies used for that cause interference? It does not seem to trigger any false laser alerts.
Should I just drop the top and drive along the highway

holding the detector over the windshield, and then lower it after detecting a signal to see what happens to the signal strength?

I will have to wait for things to warm up a bit before I can do that

steagall1000 · #2 (**permalink**) 2008-01-03

If you go to Valentine One radar and laser detectors and read the FAQ's you will see which cars and windshields reduce radar detector detection the worst. Just about every car reduces radar detection range. Not all are as bad as others. Each manufactor has different films. Mike valentines website gives you all the answers to these questions? I believe speedzones did a test on remote system radar detectors versus dash mounted. In some cases the dash mounted outperformed the remote. There is not that much difference in range either way you go.

GB

Veil Guy · #3 (**permalink**) 2008-01-03

SheltonJ,

I can run this question by someone, I know at VR, and see if I can get a precise answer to your question.

Veil Guy